John Kibele

John Kibele, age 91, of Holland, MI, passed away peacefully at home with his wife and children by his side on Wednesday, November 1, 2023.

John lived a long and wonderful life. He was born in Poughkeepsie, NY until his parents relocated to Bluffton, OH for 12 years, where he still has friends. The family then moved to Jackson, MI, where he graduated from Jackson High School in 1950. After graduation he joined the Navy Reserve (Seabees) and proudly served for 36 years. He went onto attend Jackson Community College for his associate degree. John never lost touch with his hometown Jackson. He continued to have the paper delivered to his home no matter where he lived.

John had a long successful career in the car industry, sales, and service, for nearly 60 years, where his customers and coworkers enjoyed his positive attitude and genuine joy in helping others. John was always quick with a smile and never had a bad word to say about anyone.

In 1979, he met and married the love of his life, Susan. John and Susan loved and adored each other every day for their 44 years together. They enjoyed taking special trips around the world with family and friends. One of his favorite travel trips was when they went on a 7-day sailing adventure touring the British Virgin Islands with 4 couples on a boat, where there was no running water but plenty of drinks and fun. Hawaii was also a favorite destination. Other lasting memories included special trips to Costa Rica, Cozumel, Italy, Spain, Ireland, and Mackinaw Island with his family.

John was an avid sports fan and dedicated MSU fan. He would watch or read about every game. He enjoyed all things with water, including boating. After moving to Holland in 1990, he and Susan joined the Anchorage Marina Yacht Club and enjoyed the boating life for over 25 years. He enjoyed happy hour weekly and sunsets at the beach of Lake Michigan. In his last few years, he developed a love for birds. He watched them from his beautiful view of their yard and pond and waited for the hummingbirds.

He was a longtime member of the Elks, Moose, NERA, and American Legion.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roland and Dorothy (Cole) Kibele.

John is survived by his wife Susan, daughters: Elizabeth (Jim) Carpenter and Karen (Randy) Robinson; stepdaughters: Tamara (Larry) Berry and Christine Hughes; five grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at Dykstra Funeral Home, Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas, Holland, MI 49424. The family will be available for visitation at 10:30 a.m. and the service will begin at 11:30 am.

A luncheon will take place following the memorial service at Anchorage Marina Yacht Club, 1800 Ottawa Beach Rd., Holland, MI 49424.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to one of the following: Hospice of Holland, 270 Hoover Blvd, Holland, MI 49423, or Harbor Humane Society, 14345 Bagley St, West Olive, MI 49460.